Cyanotype artist Jo Howell lets us in on how to create art using one of her favourite techniques.
This looks very complicated to do but is actually remarkably simple. There are many ways to work with the amazing cyanotype chemistry. Over the last few years I’ve tried to make working in this magical material as accessible to other people as possible. I’m 100% certain that I did not invent this technique but I couldn’t tell you who did it first. For our purposes here it matters not.
Whatever I teach you here or via the Patreon is just a launch pad for your own creative ideas. I give you the basics and you are charged with the job of taking this foundational knowledge and turn it into something truly creative.
What you will need:
- Cyanotype chemistry
- Watercolour paper
- Scissors
- Sponge brush
- UV lamp or the sun
- Glass to flatten everything in the exposure unit
- Stuff to print – acetate negatives, flowers or objects
How to create a cyanotype weave step-by-step
Step 1
Prepare your paper with the cyanotype solutions. Take care for even coverage and go right to the edge of the paper. Let the paper dry in a dark cupboard.
Step 2
Take the dry cyanotype paper and create 2 pieces of the same size. If you prepared A4 paper then fold it in half to give yourself 2 A5 sheets that you can weave together.
Step 3
The first sheet you should cut 1cm strips along the vertical leaving a 1 cm gap from the bottom (horizontal) as an anchor for the strips.
Step 4
Cut the remaining half of prepared paper into 1 cm wide strips horizontally. These are the strips you will work into the frill you have just prepared.
Step 5
Face the prepared cyanotype surface towards you and thread one of the strips over and under until it fits the whole length carefully push this as far down as possible. You don’t want any gaps.
Step 6
Thread another strip through above the previous one this time going under then over to create an interlocking weave.
Step 7
Repeat this until the frill is completely secured up to the top. Use a single piece of tape to hold the strips in position. Put the tape securely on the back of the piece.
Step 8
Choose what you want to expose. You can use acetate negatives of your photographs, objects or plants and you can even splash the work before exposure to make a wet cyanotype texture. (Though if you are doing that don’t go too wild because it might fall to bits!)
Step 9
Expose the weave in the same way that you would do any other cyanotype print being careful not to disturb the strips.
Step 10
Very carefully take the exposed weave out of the unit and gently slide it into a tray of super cold water. You will need to wash it for around 5 minutes by agitating the water tray. It may take longer to wash as the cyanotype solution needs to be able to get out from underneath the strips.
Step 11
Air dry in a warm room sitting exposed face down on some kitchen roll or if you think it’s secure enough peg it up. I leave that for you to decide. If more yellow cyanotype becomes visible on the surface – wash it again in super cold water.
Step 12
As with all cyanotype artworks this may take a few days to mature to its full blue colour.
Watch the demonstration on YouTube!
If you would like access to more in-depth lessons and content please consider subscribing on Patreon ❤️
Thank you for getting this far down the page! You deserve a brew to think about what you’ve learned. Remember I love to see what you create so do tag me on instagram @art_in_Sunderland and use the following hashtags in your work.
#cyanotype #cyanotypeweave #cyanomasters
